Students, teachers in lurch over rescheduling of exams in Ludhiana

Shivani Bhakoo

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, March 19

Seeing the increasing number of Covid cases, the state government today announced the closure of schools and colleges till March 31. The teachers, parents and students in the government schools have heaved a sigh of relief as many cases were reported from government schools only. At the same time, many school authorities are confused over the final examinations of various non-board classes as lakhs of students are in the middle of their final exams, which had started recently.

The teachers said that rescheduled dates have not been announced and they do not know anything even if after March 31, exams will re-start or schools will continue to be shut.

Yesterday, the local Education Department issued a letter that in case any question-paper is leaked for the non board classes, the school Principal or the Head would be held responsible. This letter had not gone well with the teachers, Heads and Principals of many schools who felt that the department must not put undue pressure on them as they have to adhere to several other duties as well in the times of Covid.

“But closure of schools has brought respite. We were feeling over-burdened as extra precautions were being taken in examinations due to Covid guidelines and we were worried about the safety of students and teachers both. Secondly, such letters had put additional burden of responsibility”, said one of the teachers of a government school at Haibowal Kalan.

One of the School Heads of a Government Middle School here said that the department was shrugging off from its responsibility by simply issuing such orders in the times of pandemic. 

At the same time, many teachers feel that students will not be able to focus as they will have to take the exams again. “Fresh dates will be announced later and many of the students will be distracted”, said a teacher.